By David Buie-Moltz
A scholarship recipient and donor recently shared their inspiring journeys at a special University of Virginia Darden School of Business gathering during Reunion Weekend. Here are their stories, charted through their powerful words, a testament to the transformative power of scholarship support.
From left, Dean Scott Beardsley listens to Malcolm Stewart (MBA ’24) speak at a scholarship celebration. (Photo by J.B. Fitts)
Despite not securing the highly competitive and prestigious Jefferson Scholarship to attend UVA as an undergraduate, the belief of Stewart’s mother in his potential became his guiding light. Her unwavering faith in him drove him to continue pursuing his dreams at UVA.
As an undergraduate at UVA, Stewart joined the University Guide Service and lived on the Lawn, honoring his late mother’s vision for him, who had passed away between his first and second years. He thrived academically and personally, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination. Before his fourth year, he was awarded the prestigious Sky Alland Scholarship.
After graduating from UVA, Stewart moved to Silicon Valley to work in asset management. Despite being surrounded by success, he says he wanted to be part of a more inclusive industry.
Stewart discovered the Darden School Foundation’s Breakthrough Scholars Program, which focuses on developing leaders in private equity, venture capital and asset management. The program’s mission resonated with him, prompting him to attend Darden and be part of the change he wished to see. (Stewart was also a Consortium Fellow. Learn more about Stewart’s journey at Darden here.)
A chance encounter at a UVA football game brought Stewart’s journey full circle, highlighting the profound impact that scholarships — or the lack thereof — can have on a student’s life trajectory.
Stewart’s journey underscores that scholarships are more than financial aid; they are affirmations of potential and catalysts for achievement. His story highlights the transformative power of belief and support.
From left, Dean Scott Beardsley listens to Carson Gleberman (MBA ’86) speak at a scholarship celebration. (Photo by J.B. Fitts)
Gleberman’s initial uncertainty about fitting into the business school environment as a woman in the 1980s soon gave way to a sense of belonging and determination to make a difference.
Gleberman’s commitment to supporting the Future Year Scholars Program — a revolutionary program she helped create as the lead donor, inviting outstanding college students to join Darden before gaining work experience — and women’s scholarships through the Darden School Foundation has been pivotal. Her advocacy ensures that Darden attracts top talent and promotes inclusivity.
Gleberman emphasized the importance of making top-quality education accessible to deserving students, despite rising tuition costs.
Gleberman reflected on the wisdom of one of her favorite teachers, the late Professor John Colley, underscoring the dual impact of scholarships: they attract the best students and help recruit and retain top faculty.
Dean Scott Beardsley and Carson Gleberman (MBA ’86) embrace after her remarks at a scholarship celebration. (Photo by J.B. Fitts)
To establish an endowed scholarship, please contact Deputy Vice President for Advancement Samantha Hartog at +1-434-981-4025 or HartogS@darden.virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia Darden School of Business prepares responsible global leaders through unparalleled transformational learning experiences. Darden’s graduate degree programs (MBA, MSBA and Ph.D.) and Executive Education & Lifelong Learning programs offered by the Darden School Foundation set the stage for a lifetime of career advancement and impact. Darden’s top-ranked faculty, renowned for teaching excellence, inspires and shapes modern business leadership worldwide through research, thought leadership and business publishing. Darden has Grounds in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C., area and a global community that includes 18,000 alumni in 90 countries. Darden was established in 1955 at the University of Virginia, a top public university founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Molly Mitchell
Associate Director of Content Marketing and Social Media
Darden School of Business
University of Virginia
MitchellM@darden.virginia.edu
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